Consultation feedback report: Marine Order 501 (Administration—national law) 2023

Marine Order 501 commenced in 2013 and is due to expire (sunset) on 1 October 2023.   

AMSA is proposing to remake Marine Order 501 on the basis that it is still needed for the effective administration of the National System.  The proposed remake, Marine Order 501 (Administration—national law) 2023 (Marine Order 501 2023), includes some minor changes aimed at improving clarity and readability.  

Marine Order 501 contains administrative provisions for the national law including: 

• rules of interpretation and common definitions that apply to marine orders made for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) under the national law (Marine Orders 502, 503, 504, 505 and 507)  
• processes for making an application or requesting the review of a decision made under a marine order, relating to a certificate, equivalent means of compliance or an exemption  
• criteria to determine whether a person is a fit or proper person under the national law 
• prescribed standards for domestic commercial vessels (Marine Surveyors Accreditation Guidance Manual, National Standard for Commercial Vessels, and Uniform Shipping Laws Code)  
• the process involved in returning detained vessels   
• details relating to infringement notices and penalties.

The consultation ran for a period of six weeks, commencing on 28 April 2023 and closing on 11 June 2023.  

AMSA published the draft Marine Order 501 2023 and a summary of the proposed changes on our website. Stakeholders were encouraged to provide a submission through the online submission form, email, post or by contacting AMSA Connect. 

The consultation was also promoted through a news release posted on the AMSA website and through the ‘AMSA update’ newsletter. The email reached around 22,000 stakeholders. The consultation was also highlighted through AMSA’s social media channels including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  

AMSA also raised awareness of the consultation process through its regular stakeholder engagement activities, including through the National Safety Committee and the Regional Safety Committee forums.

AMSA received four submissions during the consultation period, all received via the online submission form. 

The feedback broadly supported the proposed remake of Marine Order 501.  

We also received feedback that AMSA should consider including provisions within Marine Order 501 2023 on issues such as autonomous vessels. As these issues go beyond administrative matters and have broader policy implications, we have noted them for future consideration as part of any changes to the national law framework.  

The feedback also included suggestions for AMSA to help raise stakeholders’ awareness of the administrative processes covered by Marine Order 501 2023. AMSA will consider this proposal when determining future education campaigns.